My teaching inspiration has been mostly influenced by some of the great teachers I've had over my many years of education. My chief influence is my father, who has been a high school biology teacher in Franklin, MA for nearly two decades. His example has shown me that while it is important to teach your students about the content you are responsible for, it is just as important to teach them about the life they will face once they leave school. Indeed, when he receives letters and cards of thanks from students years after they graduate, they thank him for what he taught them about life either directly or by his example. In this way, you can be an irreplaceable part of a student's life even if they do not feel as if they are destined for the sciences. Two high school teachers I had in particular were also heavy influences on me. Mr. Genaro Ferraro was my AP Biology teacher whose lessons and demeanor made learning in this challenging setting incredibly fun. Similarly, Mr. Charles Boucher, who I had all four years in high school in technology-related subjects, had similar lessons to teach through his example. I have also learned as a private piano instructor, and through the example of my piano professor at URI Joe Parillo, that making personal connections with students and being sympathetic to the challenges they face is also absolutely essential to teaching effectively.
In summary, it is the people who have been my educators that have been the crucible that has shaped the type of educator that I will be.
In summary, it is the people who have been my educators that have been the crucible that has shaped the type of educator that I will be.